MSU’s New Indoor Athletic Center Opens to Community Groups

BOZEMAN — Montana State University will open its newest athletic facility to the public when it holds a grand opening ceremony for the Kennedy-Stark Athletic Center at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18.

The 120,000-square-foot indoor facility will serve not only MSU’s Bobcat athletics programs but also community athletic groups during specified evening and weekend hours, expanding year-round training opportunities for Bozeman-area athletes.

“It is essential for our student-athletes who compete and train outdoors to have space 365 days a year,” said MSU Director of Athletics Leon Costello. “We have expectations of deep playoff runs and need training space for indoor track season and spring football practice, all of which occur during winter weather months.”

The center is named for two legendary Bobcat track and field coaches: Rob Stark, who coached from 1976-2000, and Dale Kennedy, who began as women’s head coach in 1981 and led both programs from 2000-2018.

Located on the southwest side of Bobcat Stadium, the facility features a 100-yard turf surface, a six-lane 300-meter track, jumping pits, throwing sectors and pole vault areas. It will serve as the primary practice and competition space for MSU’s indoor track and field programs.

The facility addresses a critical need for MSU athletics, as it is the only indoor space on campus where the entire Bobcat football team can practice simultaneously. It’s also equipped with nets to safely host concurrent practices across track and field disciplines.

The new center will provide scheduling flexibility for MSU’s winter sports programs, as the indoor track and field season overlaps with basketball teams that also use the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse for practice and competition.

MSU broke ground on the project in July 2024. The facility was fully donor-funded, designed by 45 Architecture & Interiors, constructed by Langlas & Associates and managed by MSU Planning, Design and Construction.

“Our student-athletes are training around the clock and competing against the best nationally, and this beautiful addition to our campus will support them in their continued success,” Costello said.

The Kennedy-Stark Athletic Center represents the latest element in MSU’s Athletic Facilities Master Plan, developed in 2017. The plan previously included construction of the Bobcat Athletic Complex at Bobcat Stadium’s north end, which opened in fall 2021 with spaces for student services, strength and conditioning, athletic training and a clinic through a partnership with Bozeman Health.

The grand opening event Monday is free and open to the public.